Augmented Reality Preview of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

Augmented Reality Preview of The Wizarding World of Harry PotterUSA Today & Universal have teamed up to provide a pretty interesting preview of the highly anticipated Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Set to open in Spring 2010, the multi-million dollar section of Islands of Adventure has Potter fans and theme park fans anxious to see details of this new ‘theme park within a theme park’. Next week, we’ll have a closer look as the January 28th issue of the USA Today will be used in conjunction with webcams, microphones, and of course the Web to give an unprecendented look at the new attraction.

By rotating the map, you can take a closer look at this 20-acre magnificently themed environment from all sides and angles. Hogwarts castle will appear before your eyes. Hold the map closer to your webcam and explore Hogsmeade and see the Hogwarts Express. Blow on your computer’s microphone and the banners on the map will wave. -Press Release

I’m not a huge Potter fan, but I have enjoyed the movies. I’m also intrigued by the rumored robocoaster that’s said to be a part of the new area. The coolest part of the news may be the interaction of medium that’s said to be dying (newspapers) and the Web. Hopefully, the augmented reality maps work as advertised. They’re an ingenius marketing idea for both the USA Today and Universal. Nice job! This is easily the coolest thing I’ve heard all year. Read the full press release.

What’s Your Take?
What do you think of the Wizarding World Augmented Reality map? Are you going to buy the USA Today issue? Leave a comment below.